Paul Kuo

Paul Kuo

Paul Po-Hsiu Kuo, age 87, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2020 in Taipei, Taiwan.

He was born on July 14, 1933 in the Akasaka area of Tokyo, Japan to Taiwanese parents, Chung Lei and Tzu Chen. Paul was the oldest of 6 brothers and 3 sisters. Paul was raised in Japan while his father was there studying art, eventually moving back to Taiwan in 1939. As a young man, he overcame the tribulations of war reigning upon Taiwan through hard work and education, excelling as a student, an athlete, and an artist. Paul served his country in the military then attended the prestigious Taiwan University where he stood out as a decathlete, learned several languages, and most-importantly met the love of his life, Lin Yueh-Er (Clair). Paul and Clair married in 1961 and raised 3 sons. Paul was well-known in Taipei for his artistic talents and his love of teaching art. He chose to immigrate his family to the U.S. in 1971 for the healthier climate of Phoenix and educational opportunities for his sons. Paul established himself as a renowned watercolor artist and adopted the scenery of the Southwest. Additionally, he gravitated to teaching art in the evenings at Glendale Community College for 20 years, generating many artists and talented hobbyists. Paul and Clair maintained busy schedules together with art shows, traveling around the country and the world, commuting between Glendale and Taipei, and putting 3 boys through college. However, they also found time for fun with each other as avid golfers, fulfilling their love of travel cruises, hosting meals with family and friends and being consistent members of the Monday Night bowling league at 300 Bowl. They enjoyed a blessed and wonderful life together until Clair's passing in 1996. Paul was a fan of watching track & field, boxing, golf, baseball and would always make time for the Summer Olympics. He enjoyed movies, karaoke, a good long game of mahjong and celebrating with a steak, well-done. Among a host of other life lessons, Paul taught his sons the do's and don'ts of real sushi, the importance of family and friendships, and where to find the best street food in Taipei. In Arizona, the art community was Paul's second family, spending many weekends exhibiting their art, and sharing their lives. The teacher took a lot of pride in exhibiting with his former students. In Taiwan, Paul was always looked upon with great respect as a leader in his family. His sons were able to see that also translated in Arizona through Paul's art, teaching ability and the friendships he forged. In his later years, Paul found the greatest joy in his grandchildren who loved him profoundly. He will always be remembered for his tireless work ethic, competitive nature, language humor and kind generosity. Paul is survived by his brothers, Ted, Peter, Robert and Benjamin, sister Linda, sons, Fred, Robert and Karl, daughters-in-law, Michelle and Kim, grandchildren, Kyle, Kelby, Kendra and Emily. All of these he loved and will be missed by.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Paul Kuo's memory to Glendale Community College General Scholarships. For more information, please contact Karl Kuo at kkuo6885@gmail.com.